Gestalt Psychotherapy emphasizes the innate dignity of the individual coming to counseling. The individual is the expert on their own experience, not the counselor.
Gestalt Psychotherapy focuses on the present instead of diving into a person’s past experiences. Practitioners of Gestalt Psychotherapy believe that a person’s experiences influence their perception of a given situation and use this idea to help people navigate growth and change.
Your therapist will pay particular attention to your perception of yourself and your current circumstances. Instead of offering ideas about what the counselor thinks might be happening, they will inquire about what you think is going on. The idea is that if you focus too much on the future or the past, you may experience anxiety, but only the present matters.
The environment is vital in Gestalt Psychotherapy, so your counselor will make sure the therapeutic space is safe and welcoming. They will hold space for your difficult emotions and experiences without judging you. They might employ techniques such as encouraging you to make “I” statements, practicing self-awareness, performing role-plays, emphasizing physical sensations in the body, and bringing attention to body language. Your therapist will work with you to make sure you are comfortable, leading to a higher likelihood you will be open to change.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Gestalt Psychotherapy
As a therapist, I help people in the San Luis Obispo community navigate life changes and find balance, emotional health and mental well-being. Whether you’re facing a recent shift, past trauma, grief or loss, my goal is to provide a supportive environment for exploration and emotional healing. Additionally, I strive to build healthy relationships with my clients and equip them with self-care...
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( English | español ) After more than decade in the mental health field, first as a student and now as a practitioner, I have found that those with a genuine desire for mental health services sometimes simply don't have the time to receive them. More worrisome still, those that mourn deeply or suffer from depression tend to lack the very motivation necessary to physically seek out services. My...
I want to help you. My name is Rick Jackson and I have 10 years of experience with a wide variety of issues and concerns. Many people struggle from time to time with a variety of mental and emotional issues. One of the best assets a therapist can have is listening. I will utilize that skill to help provide guidance as we begin to develop the goals you want to achieve in therapy. As a therapist...
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I offer short term and long term therapy for people with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, bipolar, addicts in recovery, family members of those with addictions, and those of us that are struggling with life's issues. I have 15 years experience in counseling, both private practice, and community mental health as well as emergency services. I enjoy working with adults individually and...
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I have been working with individual adults, adolescents, families and couples for nearly 30 yrs. I have worked in every level of mental health care and have been teaching clinical Psychology courses at the graduate level for 10 yrs. as well. I am an eclectic therapist that draws from a wide range of theories, whichever one or combination would be most helpful in the resolution of the issues at...
If positive change is what you are seeking, let me help you get there. Discovering your unique self and achieving life satisfaction while improving your quality of life will take time, but I am here to help. Self awareness and insight are beneficial aspects of treatment. A willingness to put in the work to improve is vital. I believe that change is possible, but I also understand that it is not...
I have a passion for helping people of all ages improve their relationships, develop healthy coping skills and heal from relational injuries or trauma. In a safe and accepting environment we explore and understand the things that are not working well for you. There is always a reason for people's choices and behaviors, even those that cause significant problems. Once you understand the reason...
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I have over 20 years of experience working with substance abuse, families, mental health, couples therapy, anger management, domestic violence, sexual impulsivity, and psychiatric disorders. I do a great deal of premarital counseling. I work with adolescents. I have strategies that work with individuals with ADD and ADHD. I have done extensive work in career counseling. I do a great deal of wor...
Do you feel unsatisfied with the direction of your life and the quality of your relationships? If so, you are not alone. Our goal is to empower and to help you heal from past wounds, grow into the person you would like to become, and thrive in life and relationships. We (Sherry Crane, Renee Leach, Ashley Johnson, and Lisa Vernon) each have over 20 years experience. Deciding to see a therapist t...
